By Solomon OKPO
The President General of the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA), Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, has formally declared his intention to contest the Mbo State Constituency seat in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in the 2027 general election.
Alfred made the declaration during the March general meeting of ANPA held at the residence of the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Comrade Ernest Akpan, in Mbikpong Ikot Edim.
Speaking at the meeting, Alfred described his aspiration as a call to service, noting that the zoning arrangement in the Oro-speaking local government area favours his bid and strengthens his resolve to offer quality representation to the people of Mbo.
According to him, his decision to contest the seat is driven by the desire to transform governance in the constituency and give the media community a stronger voice in public affairs.
“We were the first to endorse the Governor for the 2027 race which is fast approaching; let us now endorse our own. This is our project. As a member, I will be the voice for the media,” Alfred said, appealing to fellow publishers to amplify his message and support his aspiration.
In his goodwill message, former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state, Comrade Sunday Antai, commended Alfred for consulting members of ANPA, describing the move as a demonstration of respect for the media and his colleagues in the publishing profession.
Antai expressed optimism that Alfred’s aspiration would succeed, urging him to carry the association along in his political journey.
Also speaking, the Chairman of NUJ in the state, Comrade Nsibiet John, encouraged supporters to mobilise wider backing for the aspirant, stressing the need to effectively market his candidacy for broader acceptability within the constituency.
Publisher of Waves Newspaper, Ephraim Ikpe, expressed delight over Alfred’s aspiration and urged members to deploy their networks and influence to support him.
Another stakeholder, Comrade Abasiekong, recalled instances where journalists had successfully held public offices, citing the example of former Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Ephraim Akpan, who emerged through the support of publishers.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk, advised Alfred to intensify consultations and work towards securing the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Engage with everyone, build consensus and ensure you secure the party ticket.
Journalists also have a place in government, so keep pushing your aspirations,” Etuk said.
Elder Patrick Albert described the aspiration as a welcome development that could strengthen the relationship between the media and government, urging the aspirant to tour the constituency extensively to mobilise grassroots support.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of ANPA Board of Trustees and Special Adviser on Local Media, Comrade Ernest Akpan, called for a shift in narrative, noting that journalists who often promote the achievements of others should also be given opportunities to tell their own stories through public service.
Akpan urged members of the association to unite behind Alfred and give him the necessary publicity and support to realise his ambition.
The meeting, which was attended by several newspaper publishers across the state, also deliberated on other issues concerning the association.
